Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm maintains more than 15,000 trees across five species and brings in thousands of FreshTree Certified firs from Oregon. According to Ted Seifert, preparation for opening day begins in late August. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm, a longstanding family-operated business at 6248 Silveyville Road, has opened for the season with cut-your-own trees, children’s activities and holiday concessions.

The farm is open rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays, with free admission, paved parking and a dog-friendly policy. The farm is closed on Tuesdays.

Ted and Jeri Seifert, owners and operators, said the farm was established in 1979 and opened to the public in 1981.

Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm opened for the holiday season Nov. 22. The farm was opened in 1979 and is currently owned and operated by the Seiferts. Pictured are Ted Seifert, left, and Jeri Seifert joined by Steve Taylor (center), certified blacksmith instructor and Jeri Seifert’s brother. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“My grandparents started this but we took over to let them relax,” said Jeri Seifert.

The couple, both Dixon High School graduates and married for 52 years, see hundreds of visitors on weekdays and thousands on busy weekends.

Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm maintains more than 15,000 trees in five species and brings in thousands of FreshTree Certified firs from Oregon.

According to Ted Seifert, preparation for opening day begins in late August.

“We have around 10,000 trees in the ground and we bring in thousands of fresh-cut fir,” said Ted Seifert.

Three year-round employees and seasonal staff handle maintenance, shaking, netting and stand installation. Complimentary services include fresh cuts, hole drilling and base trimming.

The farm offers sleigh rides for $2 per person, wagon rides, snow-flocked trees, Christmas ornaments, themed apparel and complimentary popcorn and cider. A Christmas village for children 6 and under is available for $6, along with additional complimentary activities such as animal viewing, duck feeding and rocking reindeer. Saws are provided for customers choosing to cut their own tree.

The farm remains centered on community participation, according to Brent Seifert, the owners’ son.

“It’s all family-oriented, building great memories,” said Brent Seifert. “My uncle’s the blacksmith, my grandma’s here and it’s all about building memories. Without community support, this couldn’t happen.”

Steve Taylor, a certified blacksmith instructor and brother of Jeri Seifert, demonstrates blacksmithing onsite.

“Dad built this farm; it used to be an almond farm,” said Taylor. “I blacksmith for the audience, entertain the people and educate them. People today don’t get much of a chance to do hands-on work with computers and everything. It’s a dying art.”

Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm also hosts Santa and Mrs. Claus on select dates, including from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 and 30 and from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The farm emphasizes educational opportunities through self-guided tours explaining the environmental benefits of real Christmas trees.

According to Ted Seifert, their commitment to real trees is longstanding.

“We go to extreme lengths to make sure our trees are coming in fresh cut,” said Ted Seifert. “We try to educate customers on how to keep their trees fresh and feel a part of what they’re doing.”

Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm offers sleigh rides for $2 per person, wagon rides, snow-flocked trees, Christmas ornaments, themed apparel, complimentary popcorn and cider, and live blacksmithing demonstrations. According to Steve Taylor, along with educating visitors, he makes hearts out of horseshoes and other small trinkets. Photo by Nicolas Brown

The farm, which the Seiferts call a historical site, continues to be part of Dixon’s holiday traditions.

“We don’t meet many people around the area that don’t know about our farm,” said Jeri Seifert.

For more information, visit silveyvilletreefarm.com or call 707-678-1823.